Methods of Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education in the U.K - Essay Example

?Methods of teaching and assessment in Higher Education in the U.K Process of higher education consists of researching and practicing of various social service activities that have sufficient theoretical prop up of effective learning theories. In Britain, current education methods and assessment techniques make sure higher level of confidence in individual abilities and equip person with valuable language, creative, analytical and problem solving skills. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) endows with sufficient financial assistance for the implementation of effective teaching and assessment methods (The Higher Education Funding Council for England 2). Higher education programs in United Kingdom have followed variety of teaching methods like study group, e-learning, and self –study, tutorial, discussions, practical works and research based projects. Similarly, effective assessment methods are used in universities and higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. Effective teaching and assessment methods ensure proper evaluation and academic and professional development among the students in the field of higher education.  The most part of Higher Education programs in the United Kingdom consist of graduate and post-graduate courses. On the basis of subject requirements, teachers and professionals suggest or practice variety of teaching and assessment methods in their classrooms. Department of of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education (DISE) promotes research programs for students as well professionals. In post graduate level, educational professionals promote research projects and programs for students (HEFCE Annual report and accounts 2010-11). A large number of professionals prefer primary research which has wide acclaim among the students as well as professionals. The concept of independent learning reveals the effectiveness of teaching methods like e-learning, group study and tutorial. Peter Scott proposes some significant observations in the field of teaching methods in higher education and states that “New universities often attempt to establish teaching units that are field-rather than discipline –based” (Scott 9). This research method austerely follows the norms and regulations of academic supervision. Generally, teachers and research professionals make available time tabled classes and independent works for a sizeable amount of time based on the course. Independent learning programs play significant role in current education system in U.K. It has often been identified as promoting international standards for educational programs. Independent learning programs ensure more responsibility from the part of students and they also help students to practice effective time management (Quality Improvement Agency). Therefore, independent learning programs and teaching methods are essential for higher education classrooms for international standards. Direct and lecturing methods of teaching also bestow considerable assistance for students in their researches and they ensure desirable learner outcome and academic development among the students from U.K. Education professionals in U.K strongly advocates the implementation of learner centered education programs. Because of this they have designed teaching methods with the backgrounds of learning theories. Conventional or traditional methods like lecturing, work place training, seminars and group discussion play vital roles in the field of higher education program in United Kingdom. Lecturing permits the students to get up-to date information about their prescribed topics. Seminars and problem solving methods in higher education class rooms help the students to improve personal skills and gain better understanding. All these teaching methods keep an eye on providing quality education for all and methods like seminars and group discussions help the students to acquire knowledge from various sources. Duke Maskell and Ian Robinson inform that “More whole class teaching will produce nothing but more classes taught as a whole” (120-121). It is significant to mention the fact that language studies and other subjects of communication draw attention to the efficacy of lecturing methods. Modern teaching methods include e- learning, practical workshop, action based research, and conference programs. Practical works and work place training are widely accepted teaching methods in United Kingdom which are really useful for professional courses or vocational training programs. The web article Teaching & Study Methods notices that “The objective of this method of teaching is to give the student practical experience of theories that they learn in classes and to develop practical skills to help prepare for future careers” (Queensbury College). One can find similar phenomenon in the field of healthcare education, especially clinical education. In case of clinical education methods give innovative developments among the students from the field of healthcare education. Here teacher gets a chance to facilitate the skills of natural observation and creative thinking among the students. Judy McKimm and Carol Jollie rightly remark; “Clinical teaching often involves seeking out opportunities for learners to practice clinical skills ranging from simple procedures to much more complex skills such as breaking bad news, or carrying out an operation” (McKimm & Jollie 9). Here, one can observe the possibility of the concept of experienced learning or the principles of learning by doing. In Britain higher education department designs its curriculum and teaching methods and strategies for international students. In U.K. higher education field practices various forms of assessment techniques like thinking critically and making judgments, solving problems and developing plans, demonstrating techniques, demonstrating knowledge and understanding, designing, and communicating. Process of assessment demands higher level of accuracy and it plays a significant role in education process. Choice of assessment methods are mingled with the overall objectives of the program. In higher secondary level, it contains the systematic development of various disciplinary skills such as problem solving, observation, and creative thinking among the students. Students prepare assignments, essays, portfolio, open book examinations, dissertations and project works related with their prescribed subjects. (Oxford Brookes University). Methods of problem solving and developing plans include various activities like work-based problem, group work, case analysis and preparing enquiry report and conference programs. Most of universities and other higher education institutions in U.K strictly follow some assessment criteria for ensuring better learner outcome (Oxford Brookes University). It endorses academic and professional competency among the students. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that innovative teaching methods and assessment techniques in universities provide sufficient academic development for students. Higher education programs in U.K. practices various teaching methods which included the elements of both traditional and modern teaching methods. Effective assessment methods are developed through the support of various learning theories like cognitive theory and constructivism. Existing teaching methods and assessment programs satisfy students’ requirement. Various fields of higher education in U.K. like language and literature, professional education, electronics and communication and healthcare provide international standard for its curriculum as well teaching and assessment methods. Works Cited Higher Education Funding Council for England: Annual report and accounts 2010-11. The Stationery Office Limited: UK, 2011. Web. 29 July 2011. http://education.jhu.edu/ Maskell, D. & Robinson, I. The new idea of a university. Imprint Academic, 2002. Print. McKimm, J & Jollie, C. Facilitating learning: Teaching and learning Methods. Web. 28 July 2011. http://www.faculty.londondeanery.ac.uk/e-learning/small-group-teaching/Facilitating_learning_teaching_-_learning_methods.pdf. Oxford Brookes University. Selecting methods of assessment. Oxford Brookes University: Wheatly, 2011. Web. 28 July 2011. http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsld/resources/methods.html Quality Improvement Agency. Independent learning and the expert learner. Quality Improvement Agency. 2008. Web. 29 July 2011. http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/xcurricula/el/assets/documents/independent_O.pdf Queensbury College, 2011. Web. 28 July 2011. http://www.queensburycollege.com/teaching-study-methods Scott, P. Higher education reformed. Edn. Illustrated. Routledge, 2000. Print. Read More